Srinagar, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Chief Secretary of J&K convened a significant meeting on Saturday to examine the preparations for the forthcoming 2nd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled for November 2 in Srinagar, organized by the Tourism Department.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the event as a crucial opportunity to boost tourism and foster a sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked that the first edition had garnered a tremendous response and set new standards for sporting events in the region.

He noted that participation from runners across the country and internationally would further enhance Kashmir's reputation as a top destination for leisure, adventure, and sports tourism.

Stressing the importance of seamless coordination among all departments, he instructed the relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive arrangements for visiting athletes and participants. This includes aspects such as transportation, accommodation, medical facilities, security, sanitation, and event management.

The Chief Secretary also called on the Traffic Department to implement all necessary measures to secure the marathon routes on the event day. He emphasized the necessity of a detailed traffic management plan, which includes appropriate diversions and advance travel advisories to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.

He underscored the importance of creating a memorable experience for all participants that reflects Kashmir's hospitality and growing capacity to host large-scale international events.

During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism mentioned that several prominent national and international athletes are likely to participate in this year's edition.

Additionally, the event will serve as a platform to showcase local art, crafts, and culture, featuring dedicated stalls promoting Handicrafts and Handloom products from Jammu and Kashmir.

The Director of Tourism Kashmir provided a thorough overview of the operational plan, covering participant registration, route management, volunteer deployment, and publicity efforts.

The marathon will include two main race categories: the Full Marathon (42 km) and Half Marathon (21 km), open to both men and women, just like the inaugural edition.

The routes will pass through Srinagar's most iconic and picturesque spots, including Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Chinar-lined boulevards, providing runners with a stunning blend of athletic challenge and scenic beauty.

The meeting revealed that the Full Marathon (42 km) will take participants on a captivating circuit showcasing Srinagar's natural and cultural beauty, while the Half Marathon (21 km) will offer runners an equally enriching experience that combines endurance with the Valley's breathtaking views.

To enhance the event's prestige, the Kashmir Marathon 2025 boasts an impressive prize pool, offering significant rewards for winners in both the Full and Half Marathon categories.

For the Full Marathon, the overall category prizes include Rs 25,00,000 for 1st place, Rs 20,00,000 for 2nd, Rs 18,00,000 for 3rd, Rs 15,00,000 for 4th, and Rs 12,00,000 for 5th place.

In the respective age-group categories (18–35 years, 36–50 years, and 50+ veterans), cash prizes of Rs 1,00,000, Rs 75,000, and Rs 50,000 will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, respectively.

For the Half Marathon, overall category winners will receive Rs 15,00,000, Rs 12,00,000, Rs 9,00,000, Rs 6,00,000, and Rs 3,00,000 for the top five positions, while age-group winners will be awarded Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000, and Rs 25,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively, for both men and women participants.

With its generous rewards, breathtaking routes, and lively community involvement, the Kashmir Marathon 2025 is set to become a flagship sporting event that showcases the region’s spirit, hospitality, and tourism potential.

Expressing hope for the event, the Chief Secretary mentioned that the Kashmir Marathon will not only encourage fitness and sportsmanship among youth but also function as a major tourism promotion event, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience the Valley’s natural beauty and cultural richness.